What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)?
Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes are misaligned, this forces the eyes to work harder to focus. This misalignment can make life pretty uncomfortable and affect your vision, this may look like experiencing double vision, eye strain, headaches, and dizziness. BVD is often undiagnosed because its symptoms can mimic other conditions like migraines or anxiety.
Children and Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD): Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Just like adults, children can suffer from Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD), which can affect their ability to see clearly and comfortably. BVD in children may be caused by facial asymmetry, a sports-related concussion, or a fall while playing. Unfortunately, the symptoms can greatly impact your child’s quality of life, from school performance to social interactions.
Signs of BVD in Children Aged 4 to 8
For younger children, the symptoms of BVD can often be seen in their everyday behaviors. Some common signs include:
- Poor handwriting (uneven spacing or sizing)
- Difficulty reading or avoiding books
- Playing with toys or sitting very close to screens
- Struggling to identify shapes, colors, or numbers
- Frequently bumping into objects
- Headaches, stomach aches, or anxiety at school
- Sensitivity to light or covering one eye to see better
As one of our young patients, Justin, shared, “I’m not tired when I read now. School is not as hard, and I have more fun. My glasses make everything better.”
Children with BVD may experience difficulties leading to challenges in learning and classroom activities. These include:
Reading Problems
Straining when tracking objects
Struggling to maintain focus
Signs of BVD for Older Children & Young Adults
Did you know children can also suffer from Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)?
BVD affects children almost ten times more often than all children’s ocular diseases combined!
Symptoms of BVD in Children Aged 9 to 13
Older children may show additional signs of BVD, especially when it comes to schoolwork. These might include:
- Difficulty completing homework due to headaches or nausea
- Reading the same line repeatedly or struggling with comprehension
- Blurred vision when using a computer or looking at the board
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Frequent blinking or squinting
BVD in Teens and Young Adults (14+)
For teens, BVD can cause more noticeable issues that impact both academic performance and daily life.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches and dizziness
- Difficulty focusing on reading or homework
- Motion sickness or trouble with balance
- Sensitivity to light and neck pain
Kali, one of our patients, experienced a life-changing improvement: “I was about to be put into a special education class because I was having so many learning problems. These lenses changed everything. The headaches disappeared, and reading became easier.”
While BVD encompasses many physical symptoms and signs, it can also manifest in more “unseen” and behavioral manners. Here are some lesser-known signs and issues related to BVD.
Social Concerns
- Unusually clingy behavior, especially in large buildings with open ceilings like malls or grocery stores
- Exhibiting signs of anxiety or nervousness
- Frequently playing alone or away from a group of friends
Motion Issues
- Experiencing sickness or nausea on swings or the merry-go-round
- Trouble reading in the car
- Getting carsick
Learning Problems
- Needing to read something multiple times to understand it
- Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia
- Neurobehavioral conditions, such as ADD or ADHD
- Verbal skills that are far ahead of reading skills
- Prismatic lenses can easily alleviate many of these symptoms if BVD is causing them.
Adults and Binocular Vision Dysfunction: What You Need to Know
Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) can cause a range of frustrating symptoms in adults. Studies show that up to 70% of adults with BVD experience frequent headaches, while 30% suffer from anxiety. Additionally, 30% to 50% of adults with BVD report lingering symptoms after a concussion or traumatic brain injury. However, a typical eye exam only focuses on how well each eye sees (visual acuity) and may not address how well your eyes work together (binocular vision).
Standard eye tests often detect major eye misalignments and double vision but overlook the subtle misalignments that can have a big impact on your daily life. This is where a functional vision exam makes a difference. It assesses how well your eyes work as a team, ensuring all critical visual skills are functioning properly. These skills affect how you see and process the world around you, and problems such as double vision or poor visual coordination can greatly reduce your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)
What Causes BVD?
BVD can be caused by facial asymmetry or trauma, such as a concussion. Small misalignments in how your eyes work together can lead to significant discomfort and affect your ability to process visual information properly.
How Is BVD Diagnosed?
A standard eye exam typically doesn’t detect BVD because it only measures how well each eye sees individually. At Fox Vision Development Center, we use a functional vision exam to evaluate how well your eyes work together as a team, which is key to diagnosing BVD.
What Treatments Are Available for BVD?
The good news is that BVD is treatable. At Fox Vision Development Center, we offer specialized treatments such as prismatic lenses, which can realign the eyes and relieve symptoms. Vision therapy is another effective option, helping to train the eyes and brain to work together more efficiently.
Can BVD Affect Children?
Yes, BVD is common in children, especially after a fall or sports-related injury. Symptoms in children often include difficulty reading, poor hand-eye coordination, and frequent complaints of headaches or dizziness. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving a child’s quality of life.
What Should I Do if I Suspect BVD?
If you or your child experience symptoms of BVD, contact Fox Vision Development Center for a comprehensive functional vision exam. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve daily life.
Fox Vision Development Center proudly serves patients in Latham and surrounding areas.
Find Relief from BVD
If you’re experiencing persistent headaches, dizziness, or difficulty focusing, it may be time for a functional eye exam. At Fox Vision Development Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these subtle vision problems that can go unnoticed during a routine eye exam.
Contact Fox Vision Development Center today to schedule a functional vision exam. We proudly serve patients from Latham and surrounding areas, including Albany, Glens Falls, and Troy.
